CA1244716A - Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the ink jet apparatus employing phase change ink - Google Patents
Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the ink jet apparatus employing phase change inkInfo
- Publication number
- CA1244716A CA1244716A CA000488877A CA488877A CA1244716A CA 1244716 A CA1244716 A CA 1244716A CA 000488877 A CA000488877 A CA 000488877A CA 488877 A CA488877 A CA 488877A CA 1244716 A CA1244716 A CA 1244716A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- reservoir
- block
- heater
- ink jet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/195—Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17593—Supplying ink in a solid state
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A block of solid state ink is sequentially melted as it is advanced against a heater plate.
Sequentially melted ink flows into a reservoir which supplies one or more ink jets.
A block of solid state ink is sequentially melted as it is advanced against a heater plate.
Sequentially melted ink flows into a reservoir which supplies one or more ink jets.
Description
47~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an ink jet wherein the ink employed within the jet is of the phase change type which may be referred to as hot melt ink.
~ phase change or hot melt ink of the type utilized in an ink jet is characteristically solid at room temperature. When heated, the ink will melt to a consistency so as to be jettable. The hot melt ink may be jetted from a variety of apparatus.
When employing ink in a liquid state~ the delivery of the ink is, of course, dictated by the liquid state. Typically, the ink is contained within a closed vessel of some sort prior to delivery to the ink jet. When employing hot melt ink, the delivery of tne ink requires different solutions in order to provide a reliable supply and minimize operator intervention. ~t the same time, it is undesirable to heat an entire supply of hot melt ink at all times since the extended cooking of the hot melt ink may result in degradation of the ink.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a hot melt ink delivery system wherein operator handling of the ink is minimized.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a hot melt ink delivery system wherein the ink may be reliably supplied to the ink jet apparatus.
It is a still further object of this inven-tion to minimize the degradation of the ink by heating.
~2~ 6 In accordance with another object of this invention, the amo~nt of power needed to heat an ink supply is minimized.
In accordance with another object of this invention, there is no necessity for a large spill-proof ink reservoir.
In accordance with these and other objects oE
the invention, a monolithic block of ink in solid state form is heated to the melting point and the m`elted ink is supplied to a reservoir. Heating is then terminated while the ink within the reservoir is jetted. The foregoing steps are repeated as ink is required.
In accordance with this invention, the block of ink in solid state form may be advanced to a heater area. Preferably, the ink is maintained in con-tact with a heater surface and advancement of the ink may be under the control of spring biasing.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the supply of liquid ink in the reservoir is detected and heating of the block of ink is initiated and terminated -on demand in response to the detection of the supply of ink in the reservoir.
Eac~h heating of the block of ink may extend a predeter-mined period of time.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ink jet supplied from the reservoir as well as the reservoir itself are moved in unison in a scanning motion.
... _ ... .. ... _ .. ... .
~L2~L~7 3L~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet apparatus embodying the invention;
Fig. 2 is schematic representation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional and partially schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention;
and Fig. 4 is a sectional and partiaLly schematic representation of still another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1, an ink jet scanning head 10 includes an ink supply section 12 coupled to a reservoir 14 and an ink jet imaging head 16. The imaging head 16 is juxtaposed to a platen 18 or other support for a print receiving medium. The entire scanning head 10 is scanned in unison as depicted by arrows 20 and 22 so as to permit droplets of ink ejected from orifices 24 to land upon the print receiving medium carried by the platen 18.
Referring now to Fig. 2, the ink s~pply 12 comprises an elongated, cylindrical block 26 of ink in solid state form which is contained within a cylin-drical tube 28. The block 26 is spring biased by a coiled spring 30 located at one end 32 of the tube 28.
The spring biasing of the block 26 forces the block 26 against a heated plate 34 which is coupled to a resistive heater 36. As the plate 34 is heated on demand, ink of the block 26 adjacent the plate 34 is free to flow through a channel 38 into a reservoir 40.
As shown in Fig. 2, a supply of ink 42 is presently located with.in the reservoir 40 having been melted down from the end of the block 26. In order to maintain the ink 42 in a liquid state, a resistive heater 44 is located at the base of the reservoir 400 The ink 42 is supplied to the imaging head 16 shown in Fig. 1 through a fill tube 46 which communicates with the bottom of the reservoir 40.
In accordance with this invention, the hlock of ink 26 is under continuous pressure to advance to the heated plate 34. As the ink at the end of the block 26 adjacent the plate 34 is melted down, the biasing of the spring 30 urges the block 26 toward. the plate 34. In other words, the block 26 is sequentially advanced on demand so as to assure that one end of the block 26 is always adjacent the plate 34 so as to permit coupling of the ink through the channel 38 into the reservoir 40.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the heater 36 is energized over predeter-mined periods of time in response to the level of the ink 42 in the reservoir 40. ~n this connection, an input 46 is provided from the reservoir 40 to a level detect circuit 48. When the level of the ink 42 within the reservoir 40 is sufficiently low, the level detect circuit 48 will energize a timer 50 which in turn signals a heater control 52 to initiate heating at the heater 36. After a predetermined length of time as determined by the timer 50, the timer 50 will signal the heater control 52 to turn off the heater 36. Thus the duration of each sequential heating by the heater 36 of the block 26 is timed.
7~L6 In accordance with another aspect oE the invention, the amount oE ink in solid state form in the block 26 is detected. This detection of the amount of ink in the block 26 may be accomplished by a light source 54 coupled to a light detestor 56. When the detector 56 detects the presence of light, a aetector circuit 58 will inhibit the level detect circuit 48 so as to, in turn, inhibit heating of the plate 34 in response to the timer 50 in the absence oE a sufficient quantity of ink in the form of block 26. The absence of ink may also be detected by a microswitch actua~.or.
It will therefore be appreciated that only a limited amount of ink 42 is maintained in a liquid state and that ink is consumed in relatively short order so as to prevent extended cooking of the ink. In this connection, it will be appreciated that the appropriate temperature regulation for the heater 44 as well as the heater 36 is necessary so as to assure the maintenance of proper temperatures. It will also be appreciated that various level detect sensors 46 may be utilized including optical, RF, thermocouples and conductivity types.
As shown, the pushing of the block 26 of ink is achieved by a spring 30. Alternative means may be utilized such as, for example, a ratchet technique, a motor drive or even gravity Eeed. As also shown, the channel 38 supplies ink to the reservoir 40 through a capillary feed path. In the alternative, ink may be allowed to drip by gravity into the reservoir through the channel 38 as shown.
12~7~6 As also shown, the amount of ink in the block 26 is measured directly. In the alternative, the duration of the time for replenishing the reservoir 40 with ink 42 may be monitored. The system may be shut down if a predetermined time is exceeded.
In the system shown, blocks of ink 26 may replenish the same tube 28. In the alternative, the tube 28 and the block 26 may be removed as a cartridge and a new tube 28 and block 26 substituted.
Reference will now be made to Fig. 3 wherein another embodiment of the invention is disclosed. A
block or stick of ink 60 is pushed against a heated surface 62 under the influence of a spring 64 pushing against a surface 66. The consequence of contact with the surface 62, the ink of the block 60 is melted, flows down through a channel 68 to an opening 7~, leading to a melt reservoir comprising a lattice or mesh-like material 72 which may comprise polypropylene, polyurethane or an expanded metal lattice. By virtue of the interstices of the mesh-like material 72, the melted ink is absorbed such that the mesh-like material 72 serves as a melt reservoir of ink for ink jet chamber 74 which communicates with the melt reservoir through a restrictor 77.
As shown, the melt reservoir 72 as well as the surface 62 in contact with the block 60 are heated by a heater 78 at the face of a chamber plate 8~. The rear of the apparatus comprises a plate 82 which includes an opening receiving the block 60 and another opening receiving a transducer 84 mounted in potting material 86. A vent 88 communicates with the channel 68.
~2~ 6 It will be appreciated that the heater 76 only melts the end of the block 60 sequentially so as to permit ink to flow down through the channel 68 into the melt reservoir 7~. The heater 76 also maintains the temperature of the melt reservoir 72 sufficiently high such that the ink is in a continuously melted state for supplying ink to the chamber 7~.
Referring now to Fig. 4, the block of ink 90 is pushed against an ink guide 92 by a spring 9~
pushing against a surface 97. The ink guide 92 as well as a melt reservoir 95 comprises a lattice or mesh-like material. As shown in Fig. 4, separate heaters are utilized for the guide 92 and the reservoir 95. In particular, a guide heater 96 communicates with the guide 92 adjacent the block 90 while a reservoir heater 98 communicates with the reservoir 9S. The melt reservoir 95 is located between the chamber plate 100 and a rear plate 102. Ink from the reservoir 95 in its melted state under the influence of the heater 98 is free to flow through a restrictor channel 104 to a chamber 106. The transducer 108 mounted in potting material 110 in an opening in a plate 112 is located behind the chamber 106.
In the embodiment of Fig. 4, as in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the use of separate heaters permits ink from the block to be melted on demand while at the same time maintaining ink in the reservoir in a liquid state ready for ejection from the ink jet.
While not shown, it will be appreciated that level detection J timers and block detectors may be utilized with the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 as shown in Fig. 2.
7~
Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described and other alternatives suggested, it will be appreciated that other embodiments and alternatives will fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an ink jet wherein the ink employed within the jet is of the phase change type which may be referred to as hot melt ink.
~ phase change or hot melt ink of the type utilized in an ink jet is characteristically solid at room temperature. When heated, the ink will melt to a consistency so as to be jettable. The hot melt ink may be jetted from a variety of apparatus.
When employing ink in a liquid state~ the delivery of the ink is, of course, dictated by the liquid state. Typically, the ink is contained within a closed vessel of some sort prior to delivery to the ink jet. When employing hot melt ink, the delivery of tne ink requires different solutions in order to provide a reliable supply and minimize operator intervention. ~t the same time, it is undesirable to heat an entire supply of hot melt ink at all times since the extended cooking of the hot melt ink may result in degradation of the ink.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a hot melt ink delivery system wherein operator handling of the ink is minimized.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a hot melt ink delivery system wherein the ink may be reliably supplied to the ink jet apparatus.
It is a still further object of this inven-tion to minimize the degradation of the ink by heating.
~2~ 6 In accordance with another object of this invention, the amo~nt of power needed to heat an ink supply is minimized.
In accordance with another object of this invention, there is no necessity for a large spill-proof ink reservoir.
In accordance with these and other objects oE
the invention, a monolithic block of ink in solid state form is heated to the melting point and the m`elted ink is supplied to a reservoir. Heating is then terminated while the ink within the reservoir is jetted. The foregoing steps are repeated as ink is required.
In accordance with this invention, the block of ink in solid state form may be advanced to a heater area. Preferably, the ink is maintained in con-tact with a heater surface and advancement of the ink may be under the control of spring biasing.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the supply of liquid ink in the reservoir is detected and heating of the block of ink is initiated and terminated -on demand in response to the detection of the supply of ink in the reservoir.
Eac~h heating of the block of ink may extend a predeter-mined period of time.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ink jet supplied from the reservoir as well as the reservoir itself are moved in unison in a scanning motion.
... _ ... .. ... _ .. ... .
~L2~L~7 3L~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet apparatus embodying the invention;
Fig. 2 is schematic representation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional and partially schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention;
and Fig. 4 is a sectional and partiaLly schematic representation of still another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1, an ink jet scanning head 10 includes an ink supply section 12 coupled to a reservoir 14 and an ink jet imaging head 16. The imaging head 16 is juxtaposed to a platen 18 or other support for a print receiving medium. The entire scanning head 10 is scanned in unison as depicted by arrows 20 and 22 so as to permit droplets of ink ejected from orifices 24 to land upon the print receiving medium carried by the platen 18.
Referring now to Fig. 2, the ink s~pply 12 comprises an elongated, cylindrical block 26 of ink in solid state form which is contained within a cylin-drical tube 28. The block 26 is spring biased by a coiled spring 30 located at one end 32 of the tube 28.
The spring biasing of the block 26 forces the block 26 against a heated plate 34 which is coupled to a resistive heater 36. As the plate 34 is heated on demand, ink of the block 26 adjacent the plate 34 is free to flow through a channel 38 into a reservoir 40.
As shown in Fig. 2, a supply of ink 42 is presently located with.in the reservoir 40 having been melted down from the end of the block 26. In order to maintain the ink 42 in a liquid state, a resistive heater 44 is located at the base of the reservoir 400 The ink 42 is supplied to the imaging head 16 shown in Fig. 1 through a fill tube 46 which communicates with the bottom of the reservoir 40.
In accordance with this invention, the hlock of ink 26 is under continuous pressure to advance to the heated plate 34. As the ink at the end of the block 26 adjacent the plate 34 is melted down, the biasing of the spring 30 urges the block 26 toward. the plate 34. In other words, the block 26 is sequentially advanced on demand so as to assure that one end of the block 26 is always adjacent the plate 34 so as to permit coupling of the ink through the channel 38 into the reservoir 40.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the heater 36 is energized over predeter-mined periods of time in response to the level of the ink 42 in the reservoir 40. ~n this connection, an input 46 is provided from the reservoir 40 to a level detect circuit 48. When the level of the ink 42 within the reservoir 40 is sufficiently low, the level detect circuit 48 will energize a timer 50 which in turn signals a heater control 52 to initiate heating at the heater 36. After a predetermined length of time as determined by the timer 50, the timer 50 will signal the heater control 52 to turn off the heater 36. Thus the duration of each sequential heating by the heater 36 of the block 26 is timed.
7~L6 In accordance with another aspect oE the invention, the amount oE ink in solid state form in the block 26 is detected. This detection of the amount of ink in the block 26 may be accomplished by a light source 54 coupled to a light detestor 56. When the detector 56 detects the presence of light, a aetector circuit 58 will inhibit the level detect circuit 48 so as to, in turn, inhibit heating of the plate 34 in response to the timer 50 in the absence oE a sufficient quantity of ink in the form of block 26. The absence of ink may also be detected by a microswitch actua~.or.
It will therefore be appreciated that only a limited amount of ink 42 is maintained in a liquid state and that ink is consumed in relatively short order so as to prevent extended cooking of the ink. In this connection, it will be appreciated that the appropriate temperature regulation for the heater 44 as well as the heater 36 is necessary so as to assure the maintenance of proper temperatures. It will also be appreciated that various level detect sensors 46 may be utilized including optical, RF, thermocouples and conductivity types.
As shown, the pushing of the block 26 of ink is achieved by a spring 30. Alternative means may be utilized such as, for example, a ratchet technique, a motor drive or even gravity Eeed. As also shown, the channel 38 supplies ink to the reservoir 40 through a capillary feed path. In the alternative, ink may be allowed to drip by gravity into the reservoir through the channel 38 as shown.
12~7~6 As also shown, the amount of ink in the block 26 is measured directly. In the alternative, the duration of the time for replenishing the reservoir 40 with ink 42 may be monitored. The system may be shut down if a predetermined time is exceeded.
In the system shown, blocks of ink 26 may replenish the same tube 28. In the alternative, the tube 28 and the block 26 may be removed as a cartridge and a new tube 28 and block 26 substituted.
Reference will now be made to Fig. 3 wherein another embodiment of the invention is disclosed. A
block or stick of ink 60 is pushed against a heated surface 62 under the influence of a spring 64 pushing against a surface 66. The consequence of contact with the surface 62, the ink of the block 60 is melted, flows down through a channel 68 to an opening 7~, leading to a melt reservoir comprising a lattice or mesh-like material 72 which may comprise polypropylene, polyurethane or an expanded metal lattice. By virtue of the interstices of the mesh-like material 72, the melted ink is absorbed such that the mesh-like material 72 serves as a melt reservoir of ink for ink jet chamber 74 which communicates with the melt reservoir through a restrictor 77.
As shown, the melt reservoir 72 as well as the surface 62 in contact with the block 60 are heated by a heater 78 at the face of a chamber plate 8~. The rear of the apparatus comprises a plate 82 which includes an opening receiving the block 60 and another opening receiving a transducer 84 mounted in potting material 86. A vent 88 communicates with the channel 68.
~2~ 6 It will be appreciated that the heater 76 only melts the end of the block 60 sequentially so as to permit ink to flow down through the channel 68 into the melt reservoir 7~. The heater 76 also maintains the temperature of the melt reservoir 72 sufficiently high such that the ink is in a continuously melted state for supplying ink to the chamber 7~.
Referring now to Fig. 4, the block of ink 90 is pushed against an ink guide 92 by a spring 9~
pushing against a surface 97. The ink guide 92 as well as a melt reservoir 95 comprises a lattice or mesh-like material. As shown in Fig. 4, separate heaters are utilized for the guide 92 and the reservoir 95. In particular, a guide heater 96 communicates with the guide 92 adjacent the block 90 while a reservoir heater 98 communicates with the reservoir 9S. The melt reservoir 95 is located between the chamber plate 100 and a rear plate 102. Ink from the reservoir 95 in its melted state under the influence of the heater 98 is free to flow through a restrictor channel 104 to a chamber 106. The transducer 108 mounted in potting material 110 in an opening in a plate 112 is located behind the chamber 106.
In the embodiment of Fig. 4, as in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the use of separate heaters permits ink from the block to be melted on demand while at the same time maintaining ink in the reservoir in a liquid state ready for ejection from the ink jet.
While not shown, it will be appreciated that level detection J timers and block detectors may be utilized with the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 as shown in Fig. 2.
7~
Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described and other alternatives suggested, it will be appreciated that other embodiments and alternatives will fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (14)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An ink jet apparatus comprising:
at least one ink jet;
a heated reservoir for supplying ink to said jet;
means for sequentially heating different portions of a block of ink in solid state form on demand to a melting point; and means for coupling the melted ink to said reservoir.
at least one ink jet;
a heated reservoir for supplying ink to said jet;
means for sequentially heating different portions of a block of ink in solid state form on demand to a melting point; and means for coupling the melted ink to said reservoir.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for sequentially heating includes heater means and means for moving said solid state ink relative to said heater means.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said heater means comprises a plate.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for moving comprises spring means for biasing said ink against said heater means.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for timing the duration of each said sequential heating.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for detecting the level of melted ink in said reservoir.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 including means for initiating and timing the duration of each said sequential heating in response to said means for detecting.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for detecting the supply of said solid state ink for inhibiting said means for sequentially heating.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 including means for scanning said means for sequentially heating, said reservoir and said jet in unison.
10. A method of operating an ink jet appar-atus comprising at least one ink jet, ink in the solid state, and a reservoir for receiving melted ink; the method comprising the following steps:
sequentially heating different portions of the block of the ink on demand to a melting point; and coupling the melted ink to the reservoir.
sequentially heating different portions of the block of the ink on demand to a melting point; and coupling the melted ink to the reservoir.
11. The method of claim 10 including the step of advancing different portions of the block of ink to juxtaposition with a heater.
12. The method of claim 10 including the step of controlling the duration of each sequential heating.
13. The method of claim 10 including the step of detecting the level of melted ink in the reservoir.
14. The method of claim 13 including the step of initiating and timing the duration of each sequential heating in response to the means for detecting the level of melted ink in the reservoir.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US660,655 | 1976-02-23 | ||
| US06/660,655 US4593292A (en) | 1984-10-15 | 1984-10-15 | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating ink jet apparatus employing phase change ink melted as needed |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1244716A true CA1244716A (en) | 1988-11-15 |
Family
ID=24650430
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000488877A Expired CA1244716A (en) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-08-16 | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the ink jet apparatus employing phase change ink |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4593292A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0178880B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6198546A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1244716A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3572622D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (61)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4667206A (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1987-05-19 | Deyoung Thomas W | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the ink jet apparatus wherein phase change ink is supplied in solid-state form |
| US4714936A (en) * | 1985-06-24 | 1987-12-22 | Howtek, Inc. | Ink jet printer |
| US4739339A (en) * | 1986-02-14 | 1988-04-19 | Dataproducts Corporation | Cartridge and method of using a cartridge for phase change ink in an ink jet apparatus |
| US4814786A (en) * | 1987-04-28 | 1989-03-21 | Spectra, Inc. | Hot melt ink supply system |
| US4961081A (en) * | 1987-07-08 | 1990-10-02 | Juki Corporation | Ink feeding mechanism for ink jet printers |
| US4751528A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1988-06-14 | Spectra, Inc. | Platen arrangement for hot melt ink jet apparatus |
| US4873134A (en) * | 1988-08-10 | 1989-10-10 | Spectra, Inc. | Hot melt ink projection transparency |
| US4864330A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-09-05 | Spectra, Inc. | Method of forming a hot melt ink unit |
| US5172135A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1992-12-15 | Spectra, Inc. | Hot melt ink supply unit |
| US4891688A (en) * | 1988-01-21 | 1990-01-02 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Very high-acceleration tolerant circuit card packaging structure |
| DE68926831T2 (en) * | 1988-04-22 | 1996-12-12 | Seiko Epson Corp | Device and method operating in the manner of an inkjet pen |
| US4889761A (en) * | 1988-08-25 | 1989-12-26 | Tektronix, Inc. | Substrates having a light-transmissive phase change ink printed thereon and methods for producing same |
| US5181049A (en) * | 1989-11-09 | 1993-01-19 | Dataproducts Corporation | Phase change ink replenishment system |
| DE69204191T2 (en) * | 1991-03-25 | 1996-01-25 | Tektronix Inc | Method and apparatus for supplying a phase change ink to an ink jet printer. |
| US5223860A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1993-06-29 | Tektronix, Inc. | Apparatus for supplying phase change ink to an ink jet printer |
| US5392065A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1995-02-21 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet printer using hot melt ink |
| IL103705A (en) * | 1991-11-15 | 1995-12-08 | Kuehnle Manfred R | Electrothermal printing ink and method and apparatus for electronic printing therewith |
| SE469591B (en) * | 1991-12-19 | 1993-08-02 | Jetline Ab | PRINTER |
| US5406315A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1995-04-11 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Method and system for remote-sensing ink temperature and melt-on-demand control for a hot melt ink jet printer |
| EP0683731B1 (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 2000-09-20 | Tonejet Corporation Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for the production of droplets |
| US5689288A (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 1997-11-18 | Tektronix, Inc. | Ink level sensor |
| US5510821B1 (en) * | 1994-09-20 | 2000-05-02 | Tektronix Inc | Solid ink stick |
| US6305769B1 (en) | 1995-09-27 | 2001-10-23 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Selective deposition modeling system and method |
| US6133355A (en) * | 1995-09-27 | 2000-10-17 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Selective deposition modeling materials and method |
| US5861903A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1999-01-19 | Tektronix, Inc. | Ink feed system |
| US5784089A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-07-21 | Tektronix, Inc. | Melt plate design for a solid ink printer |
| US5831641A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-11-03 | Eugene Gollings | Methods and apparatus for imprinting indecia on a three dimensional article |
| WO1998030393A1 (en) * | 1997-01-09 | 1998-07-16 | Domino Printing Sciences Plc | Ink cartridge for an ink jet printer |
| US6089686A (en) * | 1997-05-28 | 2000-07-18 | Xerox Corporation | Method for supplying ink to an ink jet printer |
| JP3281289B2 (en) * | 1997-06-06 | 2002-05-13 | シャープ株式会社 | Drying prevention device for inkjet head |
| US6906019B2 (en) | 2001-04-02 | 2005-06-14 | Aprion Digital Ltd. | Pre-treatment liquid for use in preparation of an offset printing plate using direct inkjet CTP |
| US6918641B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2005-07-19 | Raul Martinez, Jr. | Methods and apparatus for image transfer |
| US7111915B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2006-09-26 | Raul Martinez | Methods and apparatus for image transfer |
| US6902246B2 (en) | 2001-10-03 | 2005-06-07 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Quantized feed system for solid freeform fabrication |
| US7011783B2 (en) * | 2001-10-24 | 2006-03-14 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Cooling techniques in solid freeform fabrication |
| US6648435B1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2003-11-18 | Xerox Corporation | Load and feed apparatus for solid ink |
| WO2004052647A2 (en) * | 2002-12-11 | 2004-06-24 | Creo Il. Ltd. | Lithographic printing precursor and method of making a printing plate by ink jet imaging |
| US6799844B2 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2004-10-05 | Xerox Corporation | High shear ball check valve device and a liquid ink image producing machine using same |
| US7117732B2 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2006-10-10 | Societe Bic | Fuel gauge for fuel cartridges |
| US7210774B2 (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2007-05-01 | Xerox Corporation | Ink loader drip plate and heater |
| US7182448B2 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2007-02-27 | Xerox Corporation | Adaptive power control of ink melt heaters for uniform ink melt rate |
| US7207668B2 (en) * | 2004-03-22 | 2007-04-24 | Xerox Corporation | Ink supply container for high speed solid ink printers |
| JP4706421B2 (en) * | 2004-11-15 | 2011-06-22 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid detection device for liquid storage container for supplying liquid to liquid consumption device, and liquid storage container incorporating this liquid detection device |
| KR100657950B1 (en) * | 2005-02-05 | 2006-12-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Ink supply apparatus and ink-jet printhead package having the same |
| US7290872B2 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2007-11-06 | Xerox Corporation | System and method for delivering phase change ink to multiple printheads |
| US7648664B2 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2010-01-19 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Clamped quantized feed system for solid freeform fabrication |
| US7874661B2 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2011-01-25 | Xerox Corporation | Solid ink stick with coded markings and method and apparatus for reading markings |
| US8186817B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 | 2012-05-29 | Xerox Corporation | System and method for transporting fluid through a conduit |
| US7976144B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 | 2011-07-12 | Xerox Corporation | System and method for delivering solid ink sticks to a melting device through a non-linear guide |
| US7753512B2 (en) | 2006-12-20 | 2010-07-13 | Xerox Corporation | System for maintaining temperature of a fluid in a conduit |
| US7568795B2 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2009-08-04 | Xerox Corporation | Heated ink delivery system |
| US7976118B2 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2011-07-12 | Xerox Corporation | Transport system for providing a continuous supply of solid ink to a melting assembly in a printer |
| WO2010077386A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-08 | Markem-Imaje Corporation | Hot-melt inkjet printing system |
| US8083336B2 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2011-12-27 | Xerox Corporation | Ink stick jam detection and recovery system and method |
| US8308278B2 (en) | 2010-04-02 | 2012-11-13 | Xerox Corporation | System and method for operating a conduit to transport fluid through the conduit |
| US8506063B2 (en) | 2011-02-07 | 2013-08-13 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Coordination of pressure and temperature during ink phase change |
| US20120200630A1 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2012-08-09 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Reduction of bubbles and voids in phase change ink |
| US8556372B2 (en) | 2011-02-07 | 2013-10-15 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Cooling rate and thermal gradient control to reduce bubbles and voids in phase change ink |
| US8562117B2 (en) | 2011-02-07 | 2013-10-22 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Pressure pulses to reduce bubbles and voids in phase change ink |
| JP5845717B2 (en) * | 2011-08-22 | 2016-01-20 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Recording device |
| US9254674B2 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2016-02-09 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Reservoir having particle trapping features |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE755392A (en) * | 1969-08-28 | 1971-02-01 | Teletype Corp | INK AND ELECTROSTATIC PRINTING APPARATUS |
| JPS5395027A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1978-08-19 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Braille printing apparatus |
| US4106030A (en) * | 1977-02-14 | 1978-08-08 | Recognition Equipment Incorporated | Ink jet printer ink heater |
| IT1116334B (en) * | 1977-12-28 | 1986-02-10 | Olivetti & Co Spa | IMPACT-FREE WRITING DEVICE WITH SELECTIVE EMISSION OF SOLID INK PARTICLES |
| JPS582625Y2 (en) * | 1979-10-25 | 1983-01-17 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Ink crawler mechanism |
| JPS5662166A (en) * | 1979-10-29 | 1981-05-27 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Thermosensitive recording device |
| JPS632980Y2 (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1988-01-25 | ||
| JPS5772873A (en) * | 1980-10-24 | 1982-05-07 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Color recording apparatus |
| US4462035A (en) * | 1981-03-16 | 1984-07-24 | Epson Corporation | Non-impact recording device |
| US4390369A (en) * | 1981-12-17 | 1983-06-28 | Exxon Research And Engineering Co. | Natural wax-containing ink jet inks |
| JPS6028628Y2 (en) * | 1981-04-30 | 1985-08-30 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Automatic ink supply mechanism for thermal transfer recording devices |
| JPS58116162A (en) * | 1981-12-29 | 1983-07-11 | Fujitsu Ltd | Ink jet recording head |
| JPS58208062A (en) * | 1982-05-07 | 1983-12-03 | Yokogawa Hokushin Electric Corp | Ink jet type recording apparatus |
| JPS597052A (en) * | 1982-06-30 | 1984-01-14 | インタ−ナショナル ビジネス マシ−ンズ コ−ポレ−ション | Liquid injection recorder |
| US4490731A (en) * | 1982-11-22 | 1984-12-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink dispenser with "frozen" solid ink |
-
1984
- 1984-10-15 US US06/660,655 patent/US4593292A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1985
- 1985-08-16 CA CA000488877A patent/CA1244716A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-14 DE DE8585307369T patent/DE3572622D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-14 EP EP85307369A patent/EP0178880B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-15 JP JP60227927A patent/JPS6198546A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0178880A1 (en) | 1986-04-23 |
| JPH0356666B2 (en) | 1991-08-28 |
| JPS6198546A (en) | 1986-05-16 |
| EP0178880B1 (en) | 1989-08-30 |
| US4593292A (en) | 1986-06-03 |
| DE3572622D1 (en) | 1989-10-05 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1244716A (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the ink jet apparatus employing phase change ink | |
| EP0313597B1 (en) | Hot melt ink supply system | |
| US5621444A (en) | Controlled heating of solid ink in ink-jet printing | |
| EP0338590B1 (en) | Ink jet type recording apparatus and method | |
| EP0178885B1 (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the same | |
| US4631557A (en) | Ink jet employing phase change ink and method of operation | |
| EP0178883B1 (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the same | |
| EP0178888B1 (en) | Supplying ink to a phase change ink jet | |
| US4550324A (en) | Ink transfer thermal printer | |
| US6422694B1 (en) | Method and systems for supplying hot melt ink to a printer | |
| US4682185A (en) | Ink jet method and apparatus utilizing a web of hot melt ink | |
| SG84552A1 (en) | Ink-jet recording apparatus and temperature control method therefor | |
| MX9606191A (en) | Coincident drop selection, drop separation printing method and system. | |
| EP0178886B1 (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the same | |
| US4742364A (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method employing phase change ink | |
| EP0178884A2 (en) | Ink jet apparatus and method of operating the same | |
| JPS55132264A (en) | Liquid-drip jet recording device | |
| JPH06143603A (en) | Ink jet printer | |
| EP0951395A1 (en) | Ink cartridge for an ink jet printer | |
| JPH04294144A (en) | Hot-melt type ink-jet printer |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |